MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA)--Former local insurgents in Lanao del Sur province were given a venue to share their life stories and realizations in a three-day peacebuilding conducted by the Ministry of Public Order and Safety (MPOS) in collaboration with the 103rd Infantry Brigade and other private organizations on September 12-14 this year.
According to them, the peacebuilding event further deepened and broadened their understanding of the peace issue.
Alias Sarah said the gathering was eye-comforting, heart-touching, and mind-awakening for her. She was also happy to see her colleagues rising again with smiles in their hearts.
"I feel whole again. Naramdaman ko na talaga na bumalik na ako sa normal na pamumuhay (I really felt that I was back to normal life)," she said.
She also thanked the army for their kind treatment of her and her colleagues. She is glad that both sides are promoting peace.
Alias Bikoy likewise extended his gratitude not only to the army but also to the government and other stakeholders who collaborated for the realization of the peacebuilding intervention.
He expressed gratitude, feeling the government's support in starting a new life.
Bikoy also asked his fellow ex-insurgents to embrace peace wholeheartedly, not only for their own good but also for the entire community.
"Kapag itong peace ay atin lamang sinasabi ngunit hindi natin isinasapuso at isinasagawa ay wala ring epekto. Ngunit kung ito ay ating isinapuso at inimplementa ay magkakaroon tayo ng progressive place. Dito sa atin sa Lanao del Sur kung mawawala itong mga illegal firearms at mapalitan ito ng peace ay hindi malayong tayo ay hindi maiwanan sa mga progress programs ng ating gobyerno," he said.
(When this peace is only said, we don't take it to heart and implement it. It also has no effect. But if we take this to heart and implement it, we will have a progressive place. Here in Lanao del Sur, if these illegal firearms disappear and are replaced by peace, we will not be left behind in the progress programs of our government.) (JND/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)